The SAR show was a disapointment. There were maybe three, or four, Colt TSMGs' for sale on the tables, along with Gordon's two torch cut TSMGs', and a table that had "display" Class III weapons that were not for sale. I'm not sure what the point of that table was. One seller who had two of the Colt's wanted $30K for each, along with a repro police case, only that was explained as, "I have had it since the 1960's; I could not say if it is original or not." Ugh! The guy said he had sold the other Colt the day before, but just as I was talking to him, an elderly gentlemen approached the table and informed the seller that he was unwinding the deal on the Colt he bought the previous day. His reason was that he believed the gun to be reblued and not nearly worth the $30K. He also had two L drums for $5,500 and $3,800. That's the name of that tune. Other than the Tommy's, there was a nice Winchester 1918 BAR for $30K, but I have seen a 1919 Colt Commerical BAR sell for the same figure this year. There was also a miniature scale (non firing) Colt TSMG made in the 1970's going for.....$7,500!!!

Interests:Thompson's, Any Machinegun, Harley's and scuba diving. In that order.

Posted 08 December 2003 - 11:35 PM

Arthur you should have let us know you were there. I'm sure there was lots of people that wanted to talk to you.Yes Jim Streeter had his 2 Colt Thompson's there for sale. And yes he raised his price by $10,000 from the show in Louisville that he had them at a few month back. And yes Art they were re-blued with none original parts in them and no they are not worth the money. There was the $17k bridgeport M1 there just like the one I bought for $10k less. And yes there were Colt drums there that did sell, I know that was the table I was at, and one "C" drum sold for $5600 along with lots of other goodies. the torch cut kits sold for $4k each. And yes 1 went at the show and the others have a deposit. What most people don't get is that lots of people ask outrageous prices for this stuff and unless you have more money than sense or you are a doctor or lawyer or your family is rich, it won't sale at that price. You take it back and try again. Oh andd by the way the cases that were with the $30k guns are repro and we told me he had bought them in the mid 70's. I could not see why anybody in their right mind would call that show a dissapointment unless they just don't have fun with what they do or enjoy. nobody I have talked to at the show or after the show was dissapointed. Unless their stuff didn't sell because if was OVER FREAKIN' PRICED!

Mike,My characterization of the SAR show as being disapointing is based on the paucity of Thompsons, accessories, and BARs. Of course the SAR show provides an opportunity for firearms enthusiasts to chew the fat, but so do the usual Crossroads, etc shows. I guess my purpose in attending gun shows is to find particular items of interest. It does seem that some of the usual sellers thrive on maning a table for several days, while attempting to move tired merchandise with ever increasing fanciful stories. To me that gets old. I was in and out rapidly during the morning and did tmanage to talk to Gordon. Perhaps I will be able to attend a Tracy Hill show and meet board memebers.

Appreciate the input. Would loved to have seen the $5,500 and $3,800 L drums along with the $30K reblued TMSG's.And a C drum went for $5,600. My interest is as much to gauge the market as it is to see and actually when I am lucky enough buy Colt TMSG accessories if I believe it is reasonably priced to the market. Would even consider another Colt TMSG but not as likely unless the deal was right.thanks

Did you see Lomont's MP44 for ten grand? I had fun at the show, met quite a few folks and put a face to the voice. Prices were out of this world...but there were some good deals if you looked hard enough.I think Eric's mini Thompson was pretty cool and wouldn't take much to make run...but I think the value is in its historical significance, whether the asking price is out of line I don't know.

My wife and I enjoy the show,it was a first time for us,true the prices on the tommy gun were high but it diden't spoil anything for us.The prewar L drums started at $950.00, some rusted ones ( almost thrue ) $700.00,mismatch # C drums $3500.00 . N.Y. C drum matching # $ 5000.00 Other than the two $30,000.00 21 Thompson I diden't see any more 21 for sale.Dated XX Mag. $100.00, lots and lots of XXX Mag from $10.00 to $ 45.00 each. Gordon had a real neat poster of a 21 hanging on the wall behind his table, I would have loved to had,must have been 6ft. tall. I checked out my name in his great research book that he was selling for $200.00 I believe. ( well worth the money ). Not a lot of Thompson stuff there for a big show , Kent had some nice M1's there, don't remember the price. I enjoyed talking to Merle,Mike,Gordon,Murry, Doug Richardson ( who is alive and well ) Bob Landies, Tom Cate( who has a million stories to tell ) and others. I did picked up some slings for a M1A1 thompson , $40.00, was hard to find at the show. and last but not least got to rent a Harley and we had a hell of a good ride thrue the beautiful desert,mountians and valleys. I'll go again !! Happy Birthday Mike, we diden't get to share some brews this trip !! See Ya Tino

Interests:Thompson's, Any Machinegun, Harley's and scuba diving. In that order.

Posted 09 December 2003 - 09:55 PM

Ok, here's my first photo of the SAR show. It is from right to left or front to back,Gordon Heigstad, Murray Willis, Merle the drum doctor, Mike Hensley (me) at Gordons table. I'll have a couple others and make them small to load faster I just was in a hurry. Thanks Tino. I'll remind you about those beers next time.

Thank-you very much, Sir Hensley!! It's great to be able to associate some faces with their names!! Regards, Walter

P.S. Also, I did not know Murray's full name until now. Hum.., I'll have to do some internet research on him and his first gun collection (fascinating story). Unfortunately, Murray's attempt to send some documents, using PDF I think, through email, was not entirely successful earlier this year. I did not want to ask him again. Thanks again!!

Here is a link to a New Zealand website detailling some of the injustices suffered by Jan and Murray Willis at the hands of their own Government of New Zealand, particularly their mistreatment, vindication and at least a partial compensation for their tragic losses. His company was ruined, many lost their livelihoods and the New Zealand version of our IRS confiscated and destroyed Murray's original very valuable collection of Thompsons, Lugers, etc., if I remember correctly. I believe I recall Murray relating to me that the gun collection was buried at sea!! If I have left anything out (most likely), perhaps Murray would be so kind as to fill in the details. Regards, Walter

P.S. Indeed, "The power to tax is the power to destroy!" Here is the link to the site: http//www.acepay.co.nz/pr010207.htm

P.P.S. Also, in the event someone thinks that I have betrayed a confidence, such is not the case (nor my intent). This was a very public case in New Zealand and Murray left a post on this board stating that if anyone wants more details on this to ask me (Walter), regarding the previously mentioned failed email contents. It is a very instructive example of too much arbitrary power in the hands of a government.

Mike, Thanks for posting the photo (of Gordon, Murry, Merle and yourself). Its very nice to put a face to some of the people a guy gets to know on this board. Maybe we need a photo page of everyone and their thompsons. In fact, I think I'll start a page a little later.Dan

Hi Guys,I had a great time at the SAR show and enjoyed every second of it.There was some very good buys and most of what I purchased was on the set up day. I came home broke but got four nice "L" drums including a bridgeport in excellent condition for $750, and an un-issued Seymore still in the grease in its original box. Also a mismatched "L" drum Bridgeport cover and 1928 Colt case and rotor which goes nicely with a miss matched drum I had at home that did have a 1928 Colt cover and a Bridgeport Case so I now have two matching drums from two mismatched.Got a excellent ORIGINAL 1921-1923 manual. plus heaps of other goodies including an 1906 American Eagle Luger at a very good price.Met some great guys and Gals what great hosts you all were.RegardsMurray

Michael,The manual is circa 1923, and intitled "The Thompson Gun" as shown on page 369 of Tracie Hills' book fig., 436.It has a grey cover with the black lettering inbossed on the cover. Condition is excellent.There is no edition number in the book. I believe is was the only editionPrice was $100.Walter,My original gun collection was sold for $70,000 and was valued by Price Waterhouse at $NZ475,000.It was the New Zealand Army Thompsons that were apparantly dumped in the sea, not my collection.Regards